British Airways v Virgin Atlantic?

jessielicious

Flying to New York later this year I have a choice of airlines with similar flight times and exactly the same fare. Can anyone recommend one more than the other? I have great memories of Virgin Atlantic but horrible memories of BA (no leg room). This was 10 years ago though, I need up to date opinions! Any help appreciated.

myato

hi, i have flown with virgin, and would rate them 20 out of 10 , never flown ba though, so cant judge one against the other

bootman

We went on a long haul with Virgin last summer, it was really good. There were several BA cabin crew who were taking the flight as they were on standby with BA but could not get on. Even they said the service and the whole experience was way better than a BA long haul.

pboae

I've not flown with Virgin yet (will do later this year though), but I have been bumped off BA flights more than any other airline. Now to me, that's a bonus, because I'd rather have the compensation, but I can imagine it being a real pain too.

Nile

I've flown with BA (although not across the Atlantic) and Virgin Atlantic. My last flight with Virgin Atlantic was about 4 years ago.

If Virgin are still offering:

A goody bag containing pen, notepad, earplugs, tissues, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, eye mask, flight socks.:D
+
A choc ice with the afternoon film.:cool:
+
Menu and wine choices.
+
Selection of films, tv shows, music channels, games
+
Excellent service from their cabin crew.....................why would you opt to fly with BA for the same price?;)

tumbleweed261

Virgin Atlantic beat BA hands down! I fly with Virgin to work and it is an absolute pleasure - and the seat-back entertainment is amazing, you can pick from loads of film and tv shows and pause, rewind, fast forward etc.

I might not be very objective though - I've sworn never to fly BA again if at all possible, but that stems more from many European flights from somewhere south of heaven rather than the one somewhat dodgy transatlantic flight I took with them a couple of years ago!

user1234_2

You better keep an eye on the potential BA strike.

Al_Jolson

I flew to NY in September with BA. The flight itself was ok, but the food was poor. I have had much better on a package holiday to Spain. Never flown with Virgin but if others are recommending it then I would think it's a better bet.

Sam_Bee

It's all personal preference - I had a ball flying BA to Newark last year as there was a stag do going on, and bubbly being handed out in economy (for those flying BA long-haul - they do a nice sparkling white wine in economy but you have to ask for it!), and was lots of fun with stewardesses on good form. On the way back got upgraded.

However, I would go Virgin if it was just a general trip. BA is more pot-luck when it comes to long-haul, Virgin is consistently great! And as people above say - watch for the strike.

pennylane99

I have flown to Florida a dozen times, started off with Virgin, the flight & service were excellent. Then one year I tried BA....wasnt impressed at all, so went back to using Virgin...now I wont use anyone else, but Virgin. Highly recommended.

jessielicious

Virgin it is then! Thanks guys.